The artwork, titled “Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri,” was created by Giovanni Bellini between 1464 and 1468. Executed on panel using tempera, this piece belongs to the Early Renaissance movement and falls within the genre of religious painting. It is part of a series known as the “Polyptych” and is located at the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) in Venice, Italy.
The artwork portrays a scene of deep religious significance, typical of the Early Renaissance. The figure at the center is depicted as a martyr, suffering from multiple arrow wounds while bound to a tree. The artist’s use of tempera on panel enhances the luminous quality of the painting, giving the figure’s skin a lifelike appearance. The serene yet sorrowful expression on the martyr’s face is a testament to Bellini’s mastery in conveying human emotion. In the background, a landscape with architectural structures adds depth and context, situating the scene within a broader environment. The detailed rendering of the figure’s anatomy and the meticulous attention to the play of light and shadow exemplify the artistic innovations of the Early Renaissance.
